M1A1
Unofficial
names/slang: Whispering Death, The Beast,
Dracula
Function:
Main Battle Tank
Contractor:
General Dynamics Land Systems Division
Unit cost:
approx. $4,300,000
Length:
32' - 3" (gun forward)
Width:
12' - 0"
Height:
9' - 5" max.
Speed: 42
mph (governed) road, 30 mph cross country
Weight
(Combat Loaded): 67.7 tons
Ground
Clearance: 19 inches
Crew: 4
Range:
approx. 290 mi
Engine:
AGT-1500 gas
turbine @ 1500 HP
Armament:
120mm M256 smooth bore cannon, (2) M240 7.62mm
machine gun, (1)M2HB .50 cal machine gun |
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Features:
The M1A1 is an improved version of the M1 Main
Battle Tank (MBT). It includes a 120mm smoothbore
main gun, an NBC overpressure protection system, and
an improved armor package. This tank significantly
increases the capabilities of the Fleet Marine
Forces across the full spectrum of conflict in the
near and midterm. Engagement ranges approaching 4000
meters were successfully demonstrated during
Operation Desert Storm. The M1A1 Tank, in addition
to the improved armor, 120mm smoothbore gun and the
NBC overpressure system, has a Deep Water Fording
Kit (DWFK), a Position Location Reporting Systems
(PLRS), enhanced ship tiedowns, Digital Electronic
Control Unit (DECU) (which allows significant fuel
savings),and Battlefield Override. The M1A1 MBT has
the capability to conduct operations ashore. It is
compatible with all US Navy amphibious ships and
craft (to include the LCAC) and Maritime
Prepositioning Ships (MPS).
Background: The Marine Corps has
fielded the M1A1 Common Tank to replace the aging
M60A1 Rise/Passive tank. The M60 has reached the end
of its service life and lacks the capability to
survive and to defeat the threats expected to be
encountered on the modern battlefield. Due to unique
Marine Corps amphibious requirements, and the need
for both supportability and interoperability between
the Marine Corps and the US Army, the two services
agreed to jointly produce the M1A1 Main Battle Tank.
During Operation Desert Shield/Storm, the Marine
Corps borrowed 60 M1A1s (called the M1A1 Heavy
Armor) from the US Army. There were also 16 Marine
Corps M1A1 Tanks delivered on an accelerated
schedule for employment during the operation. This
total of 76 M1A1 tanks was employed by 2d Tank
Battalion and elements of 4th Tank Battalion. All
loaned tanks were returned to the US Army after
Desert Storm. The USMC will complete fielding of all
tanks, to include active, reserve, MPS, and depot
maintenance float (DMF) during FY 96.
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